Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau says the Keffi Polo Tournament has become a powerful national unifier as the event marks its 10th anniversary in Nasarawa State.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau says the Keffi Polo Tournament has evolved into one of Nigeria’s strongest platforms for advancing national unity, youth development, and private-sector investment in sports, as the event celebrated its 10th anniversary in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Barau, speaking at the closing ceremony, said the tournament demonstrates how sports can bridge Nigeria’s ethnic, regional, and cultural divides.
“When you look around, you’ll find people from all parts of the country Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo and others,” he said. “It is a unifying factor that strengthens our bond as a nation while also helping to develop our sporting potential.”
He commended the founder of the Keffi Polo Ranch, Senator Ahmed Wadada, for transforming the tournament into a nationally recognised sporting brand and for using previous editions to raise funds to support indigent children’s education.
“We are ready to support you, financially and otherwise,” Barau assured.
Private Sector’s Role in Strengthening Nigerian Sports
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi, said the Keffi Polo Tournament is a “brand in Nigeria” that proves how private initiatives can complement government efforts to grow the sports industry.
“What is important is encouraging the youth to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship,” he said. “Our differences are minute compared to the things that unite us. This tournament shows the positive side of our country.”
Ningi also applauded the Tinubu administration for expanding budgetary allocation to sports in 2024 and 2025, saying full implementation could reposition the sector for growth.
A Decade of Growth
For Senator Wadada, the 10th anniversary represents a decade of growth and global exposure for Nasarawa State.
“I feel highly elated and fulfilled,” he said. “The presence of this calibre of personalities challenges me to do even more.”
He explained that his vision for establishing the Keffi Polo Ranch was to introduce polo to his community and open Nasarawa to international sporting participation. Today, the tournament attracts teams and guests from the UK, Argentina, Dubai, and various parts of Nigeria, including traditional rulers, business leaders and political figures.
Wadada praised the Nasarawa State Government for its consistent support, especially in tournaments dedicated to raising educational funds.
A standout moment at the closing ceremony was the unveiling of a new pavilion named after George Coumantaros, founder of Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN), in honour of the company’s decade-long support for the Keffi Polo project.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Nasarawa State Deputy Governor Emmanuel Akabe and several royal fathers.
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